Clermont 5th-graders get a taste of college life

College might seem like a faraway prospect for most grade-school kids, but the concept is a little closer to home for a group of Clermont Elementary School fifth-graders.

The youngsters recently got the opportunity to experience what higher education is like by attending College Discovery Day at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Deborah K. Harris, curriculum resource teacher, took 115 fifth-graders to the event, which also included students from Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

"It is important for fifth-graders to begin thinking about their futures and to know about the options they will have when they finish high school," Harris said. "The students were able to see both the academic and social aspects of college life."

Students got a firsthand look at science projects, including animal bones, telescopes and computer animation, said Kelly Astro, director of The Burnett Honors College's Office of Research and Civic Engagement at UCF, which hosted the event with Junior Achievement of Central Florida. It was sponsored by Workforce Central Florida.

"College Discovery Day provided an opportunity for early intervention for students who have not had much or any exposure to the idea of higher education," Astro said. "By visiting an actual college campus students get a chance to see a different path."

She said the event reinforced President Barack Obama's Educate to Innovate campaign to improve the participation and performance of the nation's students in science, technology, engineering and math.

Students also attended a pep rally, had lunch with Knightro, UCF's mascot, and met with students and professors. More than 100 UCF students volunteered as guides and role models.

"It was great to see so many UCF students willing to serve during this event," Harris said. "Our fifth grade students were able to interact and ask questions on a personal level."

Astro said the younger students were "exposed to different majors and fields of studies, extracurricular activities and residential life."

She added: "By talking to UCF students they gained a new perspective on the idea of higher education and that it is something that is attainable for all who work hard."

UCF President John Hitt spoke at the closing ceremony.

Harris said Clermont Elementary students "realized that attending college is an attainable goal and that doing well in school matters. They also gained knowledge about the financial resources and options available to pay for college."

Kids also "saw the math and science connection in many degree programs" through the various programs.

This was the first year for College Discovery Day. Harris hopes it will become an annual event.

"It was a wonderful opportunity for our students and a day they will remember for a very long time," she said.